Vietnamese government keeping close tabs on prepaid users

There is said to be — and we obviously can’t verify this easily — a growing problem in the country with inactive subscribers and phone harassment coming from prepaid users. So, in an effort to limit this, the government feels it appropriate to have the name, address, driver’s license, and probably plenty more of the 24 million prepaid subscribers. Imagine if the US government tried that. Something tells us it wouldn’t exactly go over well. First on board with the policy are the phone companies. And why not? They have nearly no information on prepaid users, so this provides them an opportunity to get more personal information and possibly market their service better. Than again, this is Vietnam; perhaps we’re thinking a bit too American-like here. Surprisingly to us, prepaid subscribers are on board, too.

“I agree with the regulation. The authorities have their reasons to do so,” said Nguyen Hoang, who works at a Ha Noi bakery and brewery. “It’s good for those who are harassed on the phone.”

We can understand the justification, but we just don’t like it when the government steps in and demands personal information. However, once again, we may just feel that way because we’re American. Subscribers who fail to comply will have their service cut. Providers who fail to cut service of non-compliers will face fines. [Viet Nam News]]]>